Clowney aiming for a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the Combine

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 13, 2014, 7:17 AM EST

AP

Former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is planning to put on a show at the Scouting Combine.

Clowney told Yahoo Sports that he thinks he can run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, which is a good time for anyone, but a stunningly good time for a defensive lineman who was listed at 274 pounds in college.

“I hope to run a 4.4 right now,” Clowney said. “That’s my goal. On hand times, I’ve been running 4.4s. I hope I can get a 4.4 at the combine. A 4.5, I’m not too worried about.”

At last year’s Combine, the fastest time for a defensive lineman was 4.60 seconds. Clowney scoffed at that time.

Question his driving ability and perhaps his in-game motivation all you want, but if you somehow think he isn’t an elite talent you are absolutely crazy.

Everyone talks how QB prospects of Andrew Luck’s skill come along once every 10 years, a DE of Clowney’s caliber also come along once every 10 years. He’d be an absolute lock for #1 if there wasn’t such a need for QBs, that notwithstanding he is still a lock for top 5.